Customer Support

The 14 Best Things to do in Shanghai 2025: Your Shanghai Travel Guide

Author's Profile Picture

by Yuan Wu

Best Things to do in Shanghai

Planning to travel to Shanghai but at a loss about what to do and what to eat? This guide helps you explore the most fun parts and the most delicacies in Shanghai. You'll find everything you need to know about touring around Shanghai.👇

📱 eSIM, SIM & WiFi Deals
Grab cheap eSIMs, SIMs, and portable WiFi. Stay connected anywhere!
🔥 Travel Discounts Worldwide
Find latest hot deals on flights, hotels, attractions, and more across different regions!
🚆 Hot Transportation Deals
Get up to 10% OFF Coupon on train tickets in many countries!
Save 10% on car rentals
Check out weekly flight deals & save big!
🎡 Attractions & Discounted Tickets
Enjoy deals on tickets to popular attractions around the globe. Explore more for less! 🎟️

  • One way
  • Round-trip
      • direct cheapest
        LAX11:30
        14h 15m
        Nonstop
        PVG17:45
        Los Angeles - Shanghai|Tue, Jan 28|China Eastern Airlines
        US$496US$606
        18% OFF
        18% OFF
        US$606US$496

      • LAX01:00 pm
        3h 5m
        Nonstop
        SHA02:00 pm
        Los Angeles - Shanghai|Sun, Dec 22|China Eastern Airlines
        Find More Flights
        Find More Flights

Crossed out prices are calculated based on the average price of the corresponding route on Trip.com.

Shanghai Fun Facts

Boasting more skyscrapers than any other city in the world, Shanghai is now one of the most captivating cities in China.

In this video, we provide an overview of what's the city like and share some intriguing facts that are not widely known. We will aslo highlight the top 4 must-visit places for first-time visitors to Shanghai. Let's explore this incredible city, starting with Yu Garden Old Street, The Bund, and Nanjing Road!✨

Top Things to do in Shanghai

Trending Shanghai Deals

Shanghai Hotels
Shanghai Flights
Shanghai Attractions
See All Hotels
NO.1
4.8/54 reviews
上海東方明珠230空中酒店
Hotel in Shanghai
Airport pickup service
Restaurant
NO.2
丁丁聚吧轟趴館
Hotel in Shanghai
Restaurant
24-hour front desk
NO.3
4.8/5615 reviews
Capella Shanghai Jian Ye Li
Hotel in Shanghai
Airport pickup service
Restaurant
NO.4
4.6/591 reviews
If Secret Design Villa
Hotel in Shanghai
Restaurant
Luggage storage
NO.5
4.9/5371 reviews
Amanyangyun
Hotel in Shanghai
Sauna
Airport pickup service
NO.6
4.7/51 review
Shanghai Manzhu Homestay
Hotel in Shanghai
24-hour front desk
Luggage storage

Explore Shanghai

#cityscape Although I am in Shanghai, Lujiazui's "three-piece set" has always been a distant view, and I have never experienced it in person, so I bought tickets through comments and reservations on Sunday afternoon. It coincides with the Shanghai Tourism Festival, and there is a discount on the ticket holder. Hahaha Although it was almost evening on Sunday afternoon, there were still a lot of people. It took 30 minutes to queue up, check, swipe tickets, and wait for the elevator. No Tsuji..... It took 52 seconds from b1 to 118... There is no intensity in the whole process. Feeling. • It's just that the ears will be the same as when the plane rises, a little bit "Suffocation" can be relieved by swallowing a few more saliva. This time, I deeply experienced the height of the tallest building in the country. The whole Bund, Lujiazui, etc. can see the clouds at a glance, especially the sunset [beautiful. During this period, I also witnessed the 126-story "Internet celebrity" damper with my own eyes, which was very spectacular and amazed under the music and light show... A memorable experience. .... Recommendation: Sightseeing + Damper Interpretation Shanghai Peak Sightseeing Hall
Shwaty003
This restaurant offer middle class prices of western food such as steak 🥩 pasta 🍝 and cold plates dishes. And also they have the good ambience to feel comfortable and relax in their dining area. The restaurant had walk in cellar that had a lot of variety of wine from old word to new word. The restaurant also had partner hotel upstairs. So it easy when you got drunk just check in on their partner hotel upstairs. Vise versa if you are hotel guest you dine with this restaurant easily. The restaurant location is near from JINGAN TEMPLE approximately around 10 minutes walk. The restaurant name is LECOQ wine and bistro. In English name. In Chinese they call it da-gong-ji. If you want to visit the restaurant I recommend to call in advance so you can book your table in advance. #goodfoods #trip #Goodrestaurant
Vhien
#cherryblossom2024 🌸 The night cherry blossoms on the Nanpu Bridge belong to the romantic relationship in Shanghai. In fact, the night cherry blossoms on the Nanpu Bridge have already bloomed, accompanied by the cool evening wind, the swaying night cherry blossoms, and the changing lights on the Nanpu Bridge. Accompanied by occasional buses, they are unique to Shanghai. When waiting for the bus, passersby said that the cherry blossoms in Shanghai are so blooming that they don't need to go to Japan to see them. I said that Japanese cherry blossoms have their beauty, but we cannot find our Nanpu Bridge in Japan. This is something we only have in Shanghai. 📷 Shooting date: On the evening of March 29, 2024, one cherry blossom on the Happy Nanpu Bridge was set up at the bus hub of the Nanpu Bridge, and there was a large cherry blossom at the bus stop that could be used to take photos of the Nanpu Bridge and other buses that had been driven by the roadside. 🚇Interactive check-in at Nanpu Bridge Bus Activity Hub Station, reliable access to Bansongyuan Road Outer Road Subway: Line 4 Nanpu Bridge Station Exit 1
Sadia_N
#cherryblossom2024 🌸 If you don't leave again, you'll have to wait for a year! 3. Express the Oriental Pearl TV Tower Magnolia Flower Facts and Oriental Pearl TV Tower Disney store Yulan Huahua is a combination of these three words. Apart from romance and generosity, I can't think of any other words. In fact, I had already seen them on Saturday night, but it was already too dark for many days at 9 pm that night. So today, while rushing to set in Lujiazui, I came back to see them again. The real difference is really important The white magnolia feels like it has withered, and not even half of the dense pink magnolia blooms on Saturday night. However, it doesn't feel like it can last long. Friends who want to go see the ointment should hurry up
Sadia_N
Shanghai Disney Resort is a destination with experiences and attractions you can’t find anywhere in the world, with the largest castle in all Disney parks worldwide that stands tall at a height of 60 meters. To ensure you make most of your visit. I have put together the ultimate guide for you. Must see attractions: 👀 (I rated 1-5 on how extreme they are, in my opinion) 1.Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure LEVEL 3 2. Soaring over the Horizon LEVEL 3 3. Tron Lightcycle Power Run LEVEL 4 4. Roaring Rapids LEVEL 3 5. Voyage to the Crystal Grotto LEVEL 1 6.Buzz Lightyear’s Planet Rescue LEVEL 2 Best Time to visit:🕝 Shanghai in the summer is too humid and dry, and in the winter to cold, making it difficult to enjoy the park. That’s why i recommend visiting during the spring or autumn. Most importantly, avoid the national holidays to avoid huge crowds. Holidays to avoid: 🛑 - Chinese Lunar New Year – from Jan. to Feb. -Qingming Festival – early Apr. -Dragon Boat Festival – early Jun. -Mid-Autumn Festival – early to mid-Sep. -China’s National Day – first week of Oct. Flexible ticket pricing:🎫 1. The regular ticket price is around 375-519 RNB 2. The peak ticket price is around 619-735 RNB FastPass/DisnePremier:🎟 When visiting Shanghai Disney Resort, you have the expensive option of purchasing a Disney Premier Access pass. This pass provides priority access to attractions and shows. Where to stay:🛌 At the present time there are only two official hotels. Both hotels are conveniently located within walking distance of the park. 1. The Toy Story Hotel Price around 2700 RNB. 2. The Shanghai Disneyland Hotel Price Per Night around 2250 RNB. How to Get there:🚌 Taxi or Didi, which takes about 25 minutes from Pudong Airport and about 40 minutes from the Bund in Shanghai. 🚕 Shanghai Metro from the city center to Shanghai Disneyland, take Line 11 about 1 hour. 🚉 Food:🥞 Shanghai Disneyland offers a wide range of dining options that cater to the diverse tastes of its visitors. From traditional Chinese dishes to Western cuisine, there is something to suit everyone’s preferences. I will hilighy recommend trying the crispy Peking duck pizza, which is the highlighted dish of the park. My personal tips:🌟 1. Buying tickets through Trip.com is more cost-effective and convenient 2. Arrive at the park entrance prior to 30 minutes of official opening time to have a head start. 3. Avoid eating during lunchtime (between 12 pm and 1 pm). 4. Download the Shanghai Disneyland app, which provides the park map, event schedules, and attraction wait times. 5. Keep in mind that everything is in the Chinese language, except most of the Disney songs are in English. 6. You must visit these three rides first when you enter the park, because if you dont expect a huge wait time. (Soaring Over the Horizon, Hot Persuit, Seven dwarfs mine Train) and also the Zootopia entrance may have a huge queue.
Epa
#shanghaitrip My stay at the Grand Mercure Shanghai Century Park Hotel was a delightful experience. Located in the heart of Pudong, right next to the beautiful Century Park, it offered both convenience and tranquility. The room was spacious, well-appointed, and had a fantastic view of the city skyline. I particularly appreciated the comfortable bed and modern amenities. The hotel's dining options were diverse and delicious, from Chinese cuisine at the L' Atrium Restaurant to international fare at the Spectrum Lounge & Bar. What truly stood out was the impeccable service. The staff was friendly, attentive, and always willing to assist, making me feel like a valued guest. The hotel's proximity to Century Park allowed for leisurely strolls in a lush, green oasis, providing a welcome escape from the city's hustle and bustle. For a comfortable and enjoyable stay in Shanghai, I highly recommend the Grand Mercure Shanghai Century Park Hotel. #ukcreator #shanghai #China
FlorinM
🚇 From Shanghai Metro Line 8 Shendu Highway Station Exit 2, walk for about 10 minutes to the Miracle Garden or ride a bicycle. 💡I suggest going there during weekdays to avoid the crowd. It takes more than half day to walk around the park and enjoy the sceneries so better go there in the morning. It is best to go there in April when flowers bloom. 🌸🌹🌺 🌼 The park is full of varied landscapes and many areas for relaxation while enjoying the nature themed scenes. #shanghai #ShanghaiMiracleGarden
TravelDestinations
#timetotravel This shopping mall was recommended by a friend and so we headed over here and I was stunned as I was greeted by marbles flooring and a cathedral like ceiling. I was mesmerized at the interior design of this shopping mall. Just wow. I think this is the biggest in Shanghai and one of the biggest in China. There are a lot of high end and mid range brands. Lots of cafes and restaurants just like any other mall. I mean, yes, it is just like all the malls out there but Global harbor screams elegance! Address: Global Harbor, 3300 Zhongshan Bei Lu, Putuo District! Nearest Subway Stop: Jinshajiang Road Station Line 3 4 and 13. #mytripvlog #tripblazers #architecture #shopping #mall #chinatravel #shanghai
FilipinaTraveler

Top 6 Attractions in Shanghai

The Bund

The Bund in Shanghai

The Bund: No need to recommend. The most iconic landmark in Shanghai! A magical combination of colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers here. Every time you stroll along the bund, you'll have a totally different mindset! Such an amazing place.

  • 🕒 Opening Hours: 24/7
  • 💰 Ticket Price: Free
  • 📍 Location: Zhongshan East Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai

Shanghai Disney Resort

Disneyland in Shanghai

Shanghai Disney Resort: A place has nothing but innocence, fun and dreams! Eye-catching giant castle, various performance by true-to-life characters, spectacular leaping horizon that brings you adrenaline rush, and beautiful firework show that imprints itself in your mind forever...

  • 🕒 Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 08:30-20:30, Saturday-Sunday: 08:30-21:30 (Current Time)
  • 💰 Ticket Price: From $54.88
  • 📍 Location: Shanghai Disney Resort, Chuansha New Town, Pudong New Area, Shanghai

Yu Garden

Yu Garden in Shanghai

Yu Garden: It was originally a private garden from Ming Dynasty. The owner of the garden, the governor of Sichuan Province then, built it in order to let his father enjoy his retirement age. Now it's a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of the Megacity. The pavilions, bricks, tiles, trees reveal exquisite and rich historical heritage of Ming Dynasty.

  • 🕒 Opening Hours: 09:00-16:30 (Closed on Mondays)
  • 💰 Ticket Price: From $3.93
  • 📍 Location: Shanghai Yuyuan Tourism Business District (the main entrance of Yuyuan Garden on the north side of Huxin Pavilion Jiuqu Bridge)
Yu
Yu Garden
Garden
ancient architecture

Oriental Pearl Radio & Television Tower

Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai

Oriental Pearl Tower: Located at No. 1 Century Avenue, Lujiazui, the Oriental Pearl Tower stands on the bank of the Huangpu River, left behind it countless modern skyscrapers. It has a layer of full glass floor, and the air corridor is absolutely worth seeing.

  • 🕒 Opening Hours: 09:00-21:00 (Latest entry time: 20:30)
  • 💰 Ticket Price: From $27.37
  • 📍 Location: No. 1 Century Avenue, Lujiazui, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
Oriental
Oriental Pearl Tower
Modern Architecture
Observation Decks
From $41.19
Book Tickets Now!

Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

Zhujiajiao Water Town in Shanghai

Zhujiajiao Ancient Town: The town has 36 ancient bridges, 9 long streets and more than 1,000 Ming and Qing Dynasty buildings, exuding strong water town vibes. For hundreds of years, the water town has bred countless heroes and rich cultrual heritage. Strolling along the stone slabs or taking a boat on the rippling waterways, you can feel an utmost tranquility.

  • 🕒 Opening Hours: 08:30-20:00
  • 💰 Ticket Price: From $7.56
  • 📍 Location: No. 555, Kezhiyuan Road, Zhujiajiao Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai
Zhujiajiao
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town
Ancient Towns
Water Town
From $7.57
Book Tickets Now!

Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street

Nanjing Road Pedestrian Road in Shanghai

Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street: One of Shanghai's most iconic shopping blocks. Stretching over five kilometers, it’s packed with modern malls, traditional stores, and street vendors offering a variety of goods. Gathering well-known international and domestic brands, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street also houses countless historial and cultural heriatge. Walking on the street, you can feel the prosperity, energy and historical vibes of the city at the same time.

  • 🕒 Opening Hours: 24/7
  • 💰 Ticket Price: Free
  • 📍 Location: Henan Middle Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai

Day Trip in Shanghai

Shanghai Disney Resort

Disneyland in Shanghai
  • 🕒 Opening Hours: 08:30-20:30
  • 💰 Ticket Price: From $54.88
  • 📍 Location: Shanghai Disney Resort, Chuansha New Town, Pudong New Area
Shanghai
Shanghai Disney Resort
Theme parks
Nighttime sightseeing

Shanghai Disneyland Hotel

Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park

Haichang Ocean Park in Shanghai
  • 🕒 Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 09:30-17:00 (Latest entry time:16:00)· Saturday-Sunday: 09:30-18:30 (Latest entry time:17:30)
  • 💰 Ticket Price: From $50.76
  • 📍 Location: No.166 Yinfei Road, Nanhui New Town, Pudong New District, Shanghai
Shanghai
Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park
Aquariums
Theme Parks
From $50.76
Book Your Tickets Now

Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park Resort Hotel

Shanghai Wild Animal Park

Shanghai Wild Animal Park
  • 🕒 Opening Hours: 09:00-16:30 (Latest entry time:15:30; Tickets available until:15:30)
  • 💰 Ticket Price: From $22.7
  • 📍 Location: No.178, Nanliu Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
Shanghai
Shanghai Wild Animal Park
zoo
wild animals

Meilun Hotel Shanghai International Tourist Resort

Shanghai Natural History Museum

Shanghai Natural History Museum
  • 🕒 Opening Hours: 09:00-17:00
  • 💰 Ticket Price: From $12.29
  • 📍 Location: No. 510, Beijing West Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai (in Jing'an Sculpture Park)
Shanghai
Shanghai Natural History Museum
animal fossil
museum

GEM Hotel (Shanghai Bund Nanjing East Road Pedestrian Street shop)

Huangpu River Cruise

Huangpu River Cruise
  • 🕒 Opening Hours: 11:00-22:00
  • 💰 Ticket Price: From $12.38
  • 📍 Location: Shiliupu Pier,Terminal 2,No.551 Zhongshandonger Road,Huangpu,Shanghai
Huangpu
Huangpu River Cruise
Boat Tours
Nighttime sightseeing

Ji Hotel (Shanghai The Bund Jinling East Road)

Street food in Shanghai

Shanghai Food #1 Xiao Long Bao (soup dumpling)

Street food in Shanghai

When it comes to Shanghainese cuisine, the first classic dish popping up in my mind is xiao long bao. Cubes of pork jelly, minced shrimp and pork with some vegetables are mixed up and wrapped in a thin layer made of dough. They will then be steamed in a bamboo cage. Just a little bite into their thin skin, the sweet and fresh meat soup spews out wildly, making you crave for more.

万寿斋(山阴路店)
Wan Shou Zhai (Shanyin Road)
Snacks
Time-honored brand

Shanghai Food #2 Sheng Jian Bao (pan fried bun) at Xu Ji shengjian

Street food in Shanghai

To make Sheng Jian Bao, the chef adds oil to a huge pan and fries the bottom of the buns until they are crisp and golden brown while the rest of the bun stay soft. Before they’re served on table, toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions are sprinkled over for fragrance enhancement.

Address: 585 Zunyi Rd, Changning District, Shanghai, China

Shanghai Food #3 Crab Roe Noodle

Street food in Shanghai

Six male crabs plus six female crabs! It takes hours of delicate hand labor for a bowl of crab roe and meat. They are heaped up high on the noodles. The crab roe and meat are giving off such a rich, flavorful crab aroma. The noodles are bouncy and chewy, complementing the richness of the crab roe.

Address: 142 Yuyuan Rd, Jing'An, Shanghai, China

Shanghai Food #4 Chopped Cold Chicken

Street food in Shanghai

The chicken skin is soft and tender, with a thin layer of jelly texture between the skin and the meat, and a beautiful pink color on the cut surface of the bones. The chicken is always served together with special made soy sauce and scallion oil. Dip the chicken with some sauce, enjoy the rich flavor blending. It’s one of the greatest pleasures of life!

Tai
Tai Huang Ji
tender chicken
Shanghai flavor
📱 eSIM, SIM & WiFi Deals
Grab cheap eSIMs, SIMs, and portable WiFi. Stay connected anywhere!
🔥 Travel Discounts Worldwide
Find latest hot deals on flights, hotels, attractions, and more across different regions!
🚆 Hot Transportation Deals
Get up to 10% OFF Coupon on train tickets in many countries!
Save 10% on car rentals
Check out weekly flight deals & save big!
🎡 Attractions & Discounted Tickets
Enjoy deals on tickets to popular attractions around the globe. Explore more for less! 🎟️

Top attractions around Shanghai

The
The West Lake
lakes
Nighttime sightseeing
Lingyin
Lingyin Temple
temple
pray
Moganshan
Moganshan National Park
Moutains
Noutain Climbing
From $40.99
Book Tickets Now
Hello
Hello Kitty Park
Theme Park
Hello Kitty
From $28.89
Book Tickets Now
Sky
Sky Land
Grasslands
Mountain Climbing
From $24.76
Book Tickets Now

FAQs about Shanghai Travel

  • What are the must-see attractions in Shanghai?

    The Bund, Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Disneyland, Yu Garden, etc.

  • What is the best time to visit Shanghai?

    Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November).

  • How to get around Shanghai? Do I need to rent a car?

    Shanghai has an extensive and efficient public transportation system, including the metro, buses, and taxis. The metro is often the fastest way to get around.

  • How many days should I spend in travelling Shanghai?

    Most people find that 3 to 4 days are sufficient.
Disclaimer: This article has been provided by an individual contributor or third party platform. If there is any discrepancy regarding the copyright, please contact us directly and we will delete the content immediately.
Shanghai Travel Guide
Trip.com
>
Hotels
>
things to do in shanghai

Contact Us

About

Other Services

Payment Methods
Our Partners
Copyright © 2024 Trip.com Travel Singapore Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved
Site Operator: Trip.com Travel Singapore Pte. Ltd.
  翻译：